Faculty members accused of covering up sex abuse reports at Kentucky high school involved in multiple investigations

McCracken County High School is at the center of four investigations by the sheriff's department. (Google Maps)

Two high-ranking faculty members, one student and a former fishing coach were all charged in separate investigations involving sexual abuse, child pornography and misconduct at McCracken County High School in Kentucky, officials said.

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McCracken County Sheriff Matt Carter detailed the four alleged incidents that took place involving faculty and staff at the Paducah school — two of which they said the school administration knew of.

Principal Michael Ceglisnki and Director of Pupil Personnel Brian Bowland were charged with official misconduct, McCracken County Capt. Ryan Norman said at the press conference. Ceglisnki also faces one count of failure to report child neglect/abuse.

Both were allegedly put on paid leave, according to WPSD. Calls to McCracken County Schools were not immediately returned.

In one investigation, 18-year-old student Princekumar Joshi was charged with two counts of electronic solicitation of a minor for sex or other illegal activity, according to a criminal complaint. Joshi is accused of having inappropriate sexual contact with a minor student and possessing inappropriate images of that student, McCracken County Captain Ryan Norman said in the press conference.

The minor student and her parents brought the matter to police on Feb. 17. Officials learned they had previously gone to the school administration, who knew about it for at least two days.

The three other investigations included reports made between Jan. 17 and Feb. 14. The first involves a former McCracken County High School athletic director who is accused of having improper contact with current and former students, including sending or receiving naked photos. Investigators are still processing digital evidence in the case.

The second report, made on Feb. 5, alleges inappropriate communication between a teacher and both a current and former student. The teacher, who was not named, is not to have contact with students at the school until the investigation is closed.

The third investigation involves allegations against the school’s former fishing coach John Parks. He was charged with first-degree sexual abuse and possession of child pornography. Parks’ alleged victim and the victim’s parents went to the school three weeks before reporting it to the police.

Sheriff Carter stressed that authorities were continuing to investigate each incident.

“We have a duty to protect all citizens and children can be the most vulnerable citizens,” he said. “I believe it is imperative we always ensure they remain safe and hold those that do harm accountable — most especially those that are placed in positions of authority and are expected to be doing the right thing.”